IRVINE, CA — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) is proud to announce that Thomas O. Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, will serve as Keynote Speaker for the 2012 Annual Dinner. The Annual Dinner, presented by Bentley Prince Street and Kaiser Permanente, will take place on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

The theme of the 2012 Annual Dinner is “Nothing Rhymes with Orange.” In keeping with this theme, Staggs will share his perspective on a unique Orange County success story that gave rise to a new concept in family entertainment that has been embraced around the world. The Walt Disney Company, like many global companies, has roots in Orange County and reflects the innovation and creativity that flourish in the region. Orange County is home to industry leaders in the fields of sports and action apparel, video gaming, medical devices, and international trade. Orange County’s strategic location near the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, robust workforce and cultural diversity contribute to the region’s long history of forward-thinking innovation.

OCBC’s Annual Dinner brings together more than 700 business and community leaders and elected officials for one of Orange County’s most anticipated events. During the Annual Dinner OCBC will recognize outgoing 2011 Chairman Eddie Northen of UPS, and install the 2012 Board of Directors, led by incoming Chair Julie Miller-Phipps, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Kaiser Permanente Orange County.

Staggs presides over Disney’s worldwide travel and leisure businesses, which include 11 theme parks at five destination resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation-ownership program; and award-winning guided family adventures to destinations around the globe. Staggs assumed his current role on January 1, 2010.

Staggs played an important role in a wide variety of Disney’s strategic initiatives and corporate transactions, including the acquisitions of Capital Cities/ABC, Pixar Animation Studios and Marvel Entertainment. He also led the Company’s efforts to drive greater cost and capital efficiency throughout the organization and was instrumental in the development and implementation of well-received company-wide environmental and healthy food policies.

To register for the Annual Dinner, or for more information, contact Leslie Dods at (949) 794-7241 or ldods@ocbc.org.

About OCBC:
Orange County Business Council is the leading voice of business in Orange County, California. OCBC represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity in order to preserve a high quality of life. OCBC serves member and investor businesses with nearly 250,000 employees and 2,000,000 worldwide. In providing a proactive forum for business and supporting organizations, OCBC helps assure the financial growth of America’s sixth largest county. For more information, visit www.ocbc.org.